Nelson Williams Takes Gold and Cuba Claims Four Medals at the 2026 Belgrade Winners Boxing Tournament

May 21, 2026

Cuban boxer Nelson Williams Vaillant, competing in the 90-kilogram division, was crowned champion of the 2026 Belgrade Winners International Boxing Tournament, held in Serbia from May 14 to 17, 2026, defeating Kazakhstan's Ibrahim Betaev in the final by split decision (3-2) — his third appearance in the prestigious Serbian event.

The Camagüey native and two-time national champion delivered a performance that demonstrated both his technical maturity and his standing as Cuba's undisputed number one at 90 kg. His gold medal was the highlight of a productive Cuban delegation that returned from Belgrade with one gold, one silver, and two bronze medals.

The silver medal in the 60-kilogram division went to young Santiago de Cuba native Luis Enrique Vinent, who contested a high-level final against Kazakhstan's Nurassyl Tulebek, ultimately falling by unanimous decision (0-5) in a bout marked by Vinent's intensity and fighting spirit from the opening bell. The current Cuban national champion and one of the most promising talents in Cuban boxing today, Vinent further established his international credentials in Belgrade.

Cuba's podium was rounded out by bronze medals for Deibys Abreu at 55 kilograms, a seasoned flyweight specialist with an extensive competitive résumé, and Yoel Duvergel in the super heavyweight division (+92 kilograms). Jorge Cuéllar at 70 kg did not reach the podium.

The Belgrade Winners Tournament, one of the most prestigious amateur boxing events on the European calendar, attracted delegations from more than 20 countries and served as an important preparation platform ahead of the XXV Central American and Caribbean Games in Santo Domingo 2026, where Cuba's boxing team aims to maintain its historic dominance in the sport.

Alongside the Belgrade results, Cuba also performed strongly at a boxing tournament in Germany held during the same period, completing a productive European tour that reaffirmed the technical quality and competitive depth of Cuba's national boxing program.

(Sources: Granma / Prensa Latina / Radio Cadena Agramonte / Radio Taíno)